Bio

“Our jazz studies students participate in a comprehensive program where they have the opportunity to interact directly with all of the jazz faculty.”

Dr. Steven Dean Snyder Professor of Jazz Keyboard / Music Theory. A native Pennsylvanian, he holds Bachelors and Master Degrees in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas and a DMA in Piano Performance (Jazz Emphasis) from the University of Texas-Austin. His dissertation is entitled An Analysis of Interactive Improvisation Within Selected Recordings of the Bill Evans Trio Featuring Scott LaFaro and Paul Motion.

He has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia as well as appearing on fifteen recordings with artists such as Randy Brecker, Brannen Temple, Chris Maresh, Austin-based jazz quartet Odd Man Out, and the University of North Texas One o'Clock Lab Band. In 2004 he recorded two albums to be released later in the year.

Dr. Snyder was selected as one of 66 pianists from all over the world to compete in the Martial Solal International Jazz Piano Competition, which was held in Paris, France in October 2002.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Music Education, Louisville, KY "I have grown tremendously since attending Morehead State. It truly feels like a second home. The faculty really cares and the students are super friendly. I couldn't imagine being at any other university. It is a place where I feel like I can achieve success at the highest level."